How Long Are Your Tours?

Please Check our Tour Dates but most are based on 8days-7nights; starting & finishing on Saturday, or multiples thereofAs Follows:Saturday: Arrival Day and Welcome DinnerSunday "Day Ride", acclimatisation & getting used to bikes & riding styles,Monday - Friday: out on one of the Loops,Saturday: Departure Day, or if you're with us for longer, a leisurely day pleasing yourself Obviously Bespoke tours (for parties of five (riders) or more can be of any duration.

What are the Insurance Requirements/Availability?

Your valid International Driving Permit (IDP) & valid full motorcycle license – are all that is required by law for our freely provided Third Party insurance. You're expected to provide your own holiday insurance (personal accident cover) for the make/model/cc machines provided.Please check your holiday insurance fine-print, you'll usually find IDP a requirement, and often age/cc restrictions for riding in SE Asia. For those of you from Australia/New Zealand, OnePath comes highly recommended, with a policy that insures you for anything your license covers at home. Finally, our own entirely optional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) available at just 2,500b/bike/week provides indemnity for any possible shortfall in the previous two and covers any damage to our bikes - over & above normal wear & tear. The policy 'excess' means the first 25,000b (covered by your Bike Deposit) of any individual claim is payable by the Rider, the policy paying all over that, right up to replacement. E.g. for a 100,000b repair bill; Rider pays 25,000b and no more.

How far do we ride per day?

With masses to see and do in Northern Thailand that doesn't only involve riding along some of the world's most scenic roads (lthough that IS certainly a great reason for booking your trip!), we usually ride about 150 to 200 kilometres daily. We leave our hotel around 7:30-8:30 a.m. after a buffet breakfast. Stops for attractions, photos, activities such as feeding the elephants or visiting a mountain-top village or temple are scheduled before and after lunch depending on the group's preference. We break to stretch our legs and have either a coffee or cool drink about every hour or so. Our goal is enjoy the ride and take in as much of the local Thai culture as possible. It's a once-in-a-lifetime trip – we don't want you to miss anything!

Is the ER6n/Versys big enough?

Yes. Absolutely. We do have bigger bikes available for a varying fees, but in all honesty they're less well suited to the terrain, especially on the likes of The Mae Hong Son Loop, where there are over 4,000 bends. I used to lug my 1000cc FZ1R around there, it's hard work (on average a bend every 100metres) and you're on holiday! Less is more, believe me. Of course, riders with pillions will be glad to have a little extra 'leg' on the Versys (saddles more 'lady' friendly, for your better half!) we offer as a free upgrade to two-up guests. Oodles of low-end grunt from the in-line twin engine pulling from as little as 2,000 Rpm, all the way up to 11,000 redline, 12,000Rpm rev-limiter, and 210Km/h. Fast enough, light, agile, manageable & most importantly - no quirks or foibles taking up the first half of your holiday getting used to them.

Do I need a special visa for Thailand?

No - not if you don't intend to stay longer than 30 days. You will complete the form for your 30 day Visa on the flight over and immigration will simply stamp your 30 day Visa into your passport on arrival. If you wish to stay longer you can either obtain a Visa in your home country or just hop over the border (as we do on The Golden Triangle Tour) and automatically get another 30 days on the way back in.

Do you book flights to and from Thailand?

That's the one thing we don't take care of. We'd rather concentrate on fabulous roads, great food, exciting attractions, and breathtaking scenery. For flight information, we recommend visiting: TrailFinders, Expedia, Orbitz, SaveFlights to mention but a few...

Should we fly up from Bkk?

Yes. There's a bus crash almost every month (literally) on the news, completely unregulated & well...two things I'll NEVER do in this country a) jump on a ride at a local funfair b) jump on a bus! The train's freezing cold, costs almost as much as the 90-minute flight, takes 11hrs and although you're in a VIP (dormitory!) bunk you'll never manage to sleep, being thrown around by the uneven track. Oh, and there's only ONE line...so on the day train you'll be stopping every hour or so outside stations to allow oncoming trains past. Neither will we be able to collect you from the bus / train stations either as I'm sorry but we're less than 10 minutes from the airport but an hour or more away from the latter & simply don't have the freedom to be caught in a traffic jam with others to collect on the same day.

How much cash will I need?

Not much! The cost of living in Thailand is fairly low. Most spend between 2,000-5,000b per person per week on their sundries bill with us. The difference is whether you choose to drink a) water/soft drinks, b)beer or c) wine/spirits after we stop riding for the day? Click here for today's exchange rate for your local currency

We recommend bringing Your Home Currency (£, $, etc) & visiting a Beureax De Change at CNX airport on arrival for the best cash exchange rates. Your use of an ATM (Service-till/Credit card while you're travelling with us will mean you pay a comparatively expensive exchange rate plus most ATMs here charge a nominal fee (usually 150b) and allow you to withdraw up to 20,000 baht daily. We're not so far from civilization that we don't pass by ATMs every single day **Make SURE to notify your card issuer that; YOU WILL BE TRAVELLING TO THAILAND before you leave OR THEY WILL BLOCK SERVICE.**

Most of our returning guests obtain the best possible exchange rate by adding their spending money to the final balance payment with us. Feel free to ask them at: https://www.facebook.com/ThaiMcTours

Travellers Cheques are certainly recommended for any 'Emergency Funds' you might require. Needless to say we don't arrange credit! Many credit card issuers allow you to get cash advances from countless banks branches and ATMs around the globe – and there are plenty in Thailand. Please check with your card issuer before you arrive to verify any service fees or charges and to make sure you know the PIN number associated with each credit card should you need it. We recommend bringing your 25,000 baht "Bike Deposit" fund this way, easily cashed for a nominal fee once you return home, again, check your bank's small-print especially if they claim NO fee, there's always a charge whatever they name it!

What if I want to break out on my own for a day or so?

Every day, we will offer advice on the best things to see and do, but you're under no pressure to follow the (small) crowd. You can strike out on your own at any time and simply meet back up with us when you're ready. We obviously have preferred routes – but anyway you choose to arrive at the booked hotel is up to you. As mentioned in Terms & Conditions the CDW only covers you for group riding and putting the bike through normal, lawful conditions - within manufacturer's recommended guidelines.

What should we bring with us?

You will be expected to bring your own helmets (open-faced/sunglasses are OK but a drop down visor is recommended) and ventilated summer riding gear/body mesh/armour. Leathers are inadvisable, even the perforated variety, you'll regret it! You may want a wind/waterproof layer under your armour for the cooler mornings in the mountains.

We have a service vehicle for luggage, so there's really no limit to the amount you may bring apart from that set by the airline. We certainly notice the difference between returning guests and those here for the first time; those returning bring less than half the amount of their first visit. So, don't over pack: You want room in your suitcase for the bargains you'll find here!

The above applies to (not prescription) medication too. Anything you might think of bringing "Just in case..." is available here (yes, they even have 'Boots The Chemist stores, Watsons too'), and at half (or less!) the price. Plus the formulae are beefed up for this tropical climate where quite frankly; your creams, salves & sprays from home will struggle.

For a brief but brilliant period (1238–1376), the walled city of Sukhothai presided as the capital of Thailand, creating the legacy of a unified nation of Thai peoples and a phenomenal artistic heritage. Now an impressive assembly of elegant ruins, the Old City, has been preserved as Sukhothai Historical Park, one of Thailand's most popular attractions.

Following the border with Myanmar you almost feeling as if you’re there! Different faces and tribal dress make you realise that this certainly is the-road-less-travelled. This is certainly the "long way round” to this most famous of Thai cities, but you'll be glad to have experienced roads and scenery most people will never get the chance to see.

In addition to these four tours, we gladly offer completely customized guided motorcycle touring holidays from 6 to 23 days in length for groups numbering 5-15 riders. We're able to handle over 30 Riders if necessary, 12 month's notice required for parties of 25 and above please

Saturday and/or Sunday day rides around Chiang Mai province are also offered before and after our regularly scheduled tours, as part of an existing tour only. Our apologies, but we're unable to provide Day Rides as a stand-alone item. Please enquire for any and all special tour requests; we're always happy to meet your requirements.

Less arduous than the Mae Hong Son loop, for those who'd prefer a little less riding midweek, this route still takes you through some amazing countryside, through the lakes and mountain roads following the borders of Myanmar and Laos.

A Week-Long (8-days / 7-nights) adventure: Usually Saturday set aside for your arrival / departure, Sunday Ride and Monday to Friday out 'on the road' loop with many additional sight-seeing and activities available dependent upon how many days you prefer to fill your holiday.

This Loop also includes many attractions to see en route, national parks, waterfalls, hot springs, gardens, the mighty Mekong river, lakes, mountains, temples, The Three Tribes Village (Eghor, Karin longnecks and Musoe), the largest cave system in Thailand, the famous Golden Triangle (where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge) including short visits to these countries, along with lots more (elephant rides, boat trips, etc).

For the more adventurous, this tour is famed to be one of the 10 best motorcycle routes in the world with over 4,000 bends through the mountainous roads in the north of Thailand. Deservedly dubbed 'Technical Riding Heaven'

This Loop includes many attractions en route; national parks, waterfalls, hot springs, gardens, the highest mountain in Thailand, rivers, lakes, mountains, temples, Long Necked Karen Tribe villagers, along with lots more. Number of bends as supplied courtesy of The Thai Highways Agency; to Mae Hong Son 1,984, return to Chiang Mai 2,070, plus another 220km-worth we just add for the fun of it!

A Week-Long (8-days / 7-nights) adventure: Usually Saturday set aside for your arrival / departure, Sunday Ride and Monday to Friday out 'on the road' loop with many additional sight-seeing and activities available dependant upon how many days you prefer to fill your holiday.

A relaxing day cruising along the banks of the river ping, lunch by the riverside, beautiful scenery, Baan Tawai antiques, cultural heritage and craftwork village.

All day rides are optional and can be varied to suit the group's desires.

Fancy going somewhere? We can be entirely flexible and head just about anywhere you fancy, enough notice and even spend the weekend away?

Other attractions include: Tours around Chiang mai's historic inner and outer city, experiencing cultural phenomena such as the Night Bazaar, Sunday craft market, live traditional Thai shows and entertainment, Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs and various authentic dining experiences which are all completely different to their Western counterparts.

Just on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, this mountain is perfect for a first acclimatisation ride, an introduction to the pleasures ahead!

Smooth, sticky black three lane mat, hairpins galore and around a 20% gradient to power up and cruise back down.

On the way we have the Chiang mai zoo at the base, Pra Tha Doi Suthep Temple, viewpoint over the whole of Chiang mai city and suburbs, Queen Sirikit’s summer palace and gardens. Branching off we venture a little further than most to also take in Doi Pui and the Hmong village there.

Generally: Arrival & Departure Days being the Saturday, Day Ride on the Sunday after a short inductionMonday to Friday out on the road. Extra nights’ stay before/after the tour are readily available to best suit your flights, take your time booking to find the best deal, and we’ll gladly accommodate you, no problem

Saving You Money...!

We all work long & hard for those few little treats in life, doing without something to afford another. TMT is synonymous with Good Value. Please accept our apologies if the pricing tables below appear overly complicated: However, In order to save you as much cash as possible we've tiered our prices, both seasonally and economically. Rather than banging out a "One-Price-Fits-All" rate (with cash customers supporting the entire system), we prefer to offer our guests as many options as possible, and consequently offering a budget for every wallet? Don't hesitate to drop me a line if I can help clarify anything for you / work out your personal price, it'll be my pleasure

Beginning with Three-Tier Pricing: Thailand's Three Seasons, Low being quiet & least expensive, while Peak Season usually requires booking 6 months or more in advance?

Low/High/Peak Seasons

Peak Season with the best weather runs November – February, Low (Monsoon) Season July/August/September, weather totally by luck of the draw. Lastly: By Default High Season occupies those remaining months, March, April, May, June and October, Certainly better weather guaranteed than through the Monsoon Season, but may still experience a few scattered showers

Looking for more than just a single day's riding? No Problem

From these Day Rates we can simply price a 1 / 2 / 3 (or more) D/N Tour, if it looks like decent weather ahead? Please Note: - Should we decide to stay away from Chiang Mai for a night or two, SRS Will Apply

River Kwae Loop, Around Thailand Loop & Bespoke Tours

We know this country intimately, and are able to organise a vast array of Bespoke / Specialist Tours: POA

Our entirely optional Collision Damage Waiver plan covers any accidental damage to the bike, and all for 2,000 THB/motorcycle/week. Conditions apply; First 20,000 Baht of each/any claim being Rider’s Responsibility

Cash Transferral Charges

Regretfully we must pass on the 5% service charge PayPal renders. Should you wish to pay by BTT (Bank Tele- Transfer) the only charge incurred will be for transmittal from your bank: sender accepts responsibility for this fee. We accept all charges regarding receipt of said transfer, while deducting any forwarded transmittal fees from remittance total. Hard-copy receipt issued by our bank detailing all charges scanned & forwarded via email, original retained FYI on arrival. Similarly, if you elect to remit by credit card, there is a 4.5% Service Fee levied to your account. We pride ourselves on being above board – NO hidden costs or charges, everything open for scrutiny

Thank you very much indeed for taking the time to read this far!

We've striven over the years to reach the pinnacle of motorcycle touring and are very proud indeed to have maintained this position. We will continue tirelessly & diligently, adding to our reputation as a matter of course on the likes of TripAdvisor etc. If you have any comments / criticism regarding this website or our Modus Operandi...please, let us know, we'd really appreciate your input.

And if you have the slightest query - please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll be more than happy to assist

Our office hours in Thailand are 05.30-13.30 (GMT + 7hrs)

Calls/emails outside these hours will not be answered until the following day. I believe it's very rude to have one's nose buried in the phone/PDA while guests who've paid for our attention are being ignored? Consequently after 7am daily I'm on our guests' timetable and at their disposal, apologies but guests' here now must take precedence over enquiries.

I take just the one weekend off in each month, usually the third immediately after we finish a tour.